Kauto Star gazing towards Hennessy

KAUTO Star could be aimed at the Hennessy Gold Cup should all go well with his reappearance in the JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.

Clive Smith’s ace chaser, trained by Paul Nicholls, is among eight acceptors at the five-day stage for the Ulster feature, which he won in 2008.

Connections are, however, also keen to run the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero in a major handicap chase before he retires.

The Newbury showpiece on November 27 fits the bill before the 10-year-old goes for a fifth successive win in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

“There is a little proviso (in heading straight to Kempton after Down Royal) in that we would like to have a crack maybe at the Hennessy, just as it might be his last season, and see how he goes,” said Smith.

“We want to race him four times probably, or maybe five, but obviously always aiming at the King George and the Gold Cup.

“We’d still like to show he could do it in a big handicap, so we might go to the Hennessy, or we might not. It just depends on this Saturday really.

“He’s not showing any sign of ageing. In another year he will be 11 going on to 12 and he’s obviously got to be showing signs of age then, but he’s certainly fine at this moment.”

Kauto Star is the only possible raider from Britain for the Down Royal prize.

Henry de Bromhead has left in Arkle Trophy victor Sizing Europe, whose recent Punchestown conqueror China Rock, trained by Mouse Morris, could renew rivalry.

Michael Hourigan’s Mossbank could have his first race since April 2008, while Finger Onthe Pulse, trained by Tom Taaffe, is another smart performer. Coolcashin, Killyglen and Trafford Lad complete a quality entry.

Saturday will be a crucial test for Kauto Star as it will be his first race since he suffered a bad fall in the Gold Cup in March.

“He’s much better in himself and he’s survived Cheltenham very well. He’s been out in the paddock and the fields during the summer, and everything is very good,” Smith added.

“We’ve got him right, although you never quite know when they are coming back after the horrific kind of fall he had that day.

“He’s been schooled and it’s all gone very well. He seems to have got over everything.

“He’s had a long time to get ready for the new season and this is all very good. It’s better to do that with the horse especially as he is 10, coming up to 11 years old.

“You’ve got to look after them.”